Mexico Travel Guide

Mexico is such an incredible place, and it’s where both Oliver and Carae called home for quite a while. From the super busy capital of Mexico City to the charming beach towns like Sayulita and Tulum, there’s definitely a spot for every type of traveler. Here you’ll be wandering through ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, diving into the crystal-clear cenotes in Yucatan, savoring mouthwatering street food, and dancing the night away at a lively fiesta! The food is a major highlight—make sure to try as many tacos, tamales, mole, quesadillas, and my absolute favorite, chile relleno, as you can!

Is Bacalar Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

There aren’t too many hidden gems left in Mexico’s Yucatán, and while I’m not sure I’d call Bacalar one, it’s definitely still under the radar when it comes to vacation spots in Mexico. This magical town sits right on the edge of the famous Lagoon of Seven Colors, and it’s full of life, from great…

The 11 Best Places to Visit in Mexico: Beach Vacation, Sightseeing & Amazing Food

Mexico is hands down one of my favorite countries to visit and honestly, one I could easily see myself spending a lot more time in. It’s such a mix of everything I love: beautiful culture, incredible beaches, breathtaking landscapes, amazing food (arguably the best in the world), and some of the funniest and kindest people…

Is Mexico Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Mexico has honestly become one of my top destinations for pretty much any kind of trip like a beach holiday, a resort vacation, backpacking, or just eating my way through tacos and ceviche for a few weeks. It’s one of those countries that just does everything well. You’ve got family-friendly resorts, romantic spots for couples,…

The 9 Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen: My Top Food Spots 2026

Playa del Carmen Mexico is easily one of my favorite destinations in Mexico (or at least the Yucatán) when it comes to food. What I love about Playa del Carmen, and something I’ve really come to appreciate over time is how well it balances authentic local spots with more international, tourist-friendly restaurants. Unlike the Tulum…

How to Get to Playa del Carmen Mexico (The Easiest Ways to Get There) 2026

Playa del Carmen is one of my favorite spots in the Riviera Maya because if its amazing nightlife, fantastic food, free public beaches, and some truly beautiful hotels and resorts. I’ve been to Playa del Carmen quite a few times now because, somehow, I always end up there on every Mexico trip. Luckily for you,…

Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen Mexico: My First Timers Guide 2026

Playa del Carmen is actually a pretty big city, not as massive as Cancun, but definitely much larger than Tulum. And because of that, where you stay in Playa del Carmen really does make a difference. There are a few things worth considering: do you want to stay in a resort or an apartment? Do…

Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is one of my favorite spots when I’m in the mood for a busier vibe, somewhere right in the middle of the action but still with beautiful beaches and great hotels all around. To me, Playa del Carmen feels like a mix between Cancún and somewhere a little more relaxed, which…

The Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen (And When I’d Go Again) 2026

Playa del Carmen, like most destinations along Mexico’s Riviera Maya, is one of those places where timing really matters. Choosing when to visit can completely change your experience. This whole region, including Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancún, and Isla Mujeres, is very season-dependent. I once made the mistake of visiting during the off-season when the…

The 4 Best Beaches in Holbox + 1 Hidden Gem (2026)

When it comes to beaches in the Yucatán, there’s always been a bit of a debate about who takes the crown, is it Cancún or Isla Mujeres? (We can all agree it’s definitely not Tulum anymore.)  But honestly? I think some of the best beaches are on Isla Holbox, maybe tied with Isla Mujeres if…

The 9 Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres + 2 Things I’d Skip (2026)

Isla Mujeres may be small, but she packs a punch. The island’s only 5 miles long, yet somehow it’s got the most beautiful beaches, amazing food, and margaritas that could honestly fix most life problems.  Most people come here for a day trip from Cancun, but once you’ve had a sunset drink on Playa Norte,…

The 11 Best Things to Do in Holbox: My Favorite Activities 2026

Isla Holbox often gets this reputation for being too laid-back, people say it’s underdeveloped, a little rough around the edges, and that “there’s nothing to do.” Especially if they’re comparing it to Isla Mujeres. But after visiting Holbox a few times now, I can confidently say that’s not true at all. I absolutely love it…

How to Get to Holbox Mexico (The Easiest Ways to Get There) 2026

Out of all the popular destinations in this part of Mexico, I’d say Isla Holbox is probably the trickiest one to reach, at least compared to Cancun, Tulum, or even Isla Mujeres. Holbox is a small island not too far from Cancun, but it’s much less developed than the other beach towns nearby. That also…

The Best Time to Visit Isla Holbox (And When I’d Go Again) 2026

Isla Holbox, Holbox Island, or just Holbox, whatever you want to call it, it’s all the same place, and it’s easily my favorite destination in this part of Mexico. Holbox is rugged, rustic, and a little rough around the edges and that’s exactly what makes it special. Compared to places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen,…

Is Isla Holbox Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2026

One of my absolute favorite places in the entire Yucatán Peninsula and honestly, maybe all of Mexico, is Isla Holbox. It’s a small, sandy island not too far from Cancún, with soft white beaches, turquoise water, and a completely different pace of life.  There are no cars here, just golf carts and bikes, which already…

The 10 Best Restaurants on Isla Mujeres: My Top Foodie Picks on the Island 

Mexican food is one of my all-time favorite cuisines. Growing up in Texas, I like to think I’m basically an expert in all things tacos, margs, and ceviche. But I’ll be honest, when you’re in a super touristy destination, finding good, authentic Mexican food can be tough. And Isla Mujeres? Oh, there were definitely some…

The Best Time to Visit Isla Mujeres (And When I’d Go Again) 2026

If you’re planning a trip to Isla Mujeres, timing really does make a difference. The island has its own rhythm, from perfect blue-sky days to quick tropical downpours that pass before you’ve even finished your margarita. The truth is, Isla Mujeres is beautiful all year. But depending on what you’re hoping for, whether that’s fewer…

The 9 Best Things to Do in Tulum Mexico + 2 I’d Skip

There are so many reasons why I still love Tulum and why I think it’s worth visiting no matter what people on the internet say and one of the biggest ones is the fact that Tulum has way more to offer than just a beach. I’ve been to Tulum a handful of times now, and…

The 4 Best Beaches in Tulum Mexico + 1 Hidden Gem (2026)

When it comes to beaches in Tulum, there’s a lot of information out there and honestly, a lot of misinformation too. I’m a bit on the fence myself when it comes to Tulum’s beaches and how they’re being handled by the government and local authorities. On one hand, Tulum is famous for its gorgeous, white-sand…

Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

So you’re heading to Mexico and wondering if catching the ferry to Isla Mujeres is actually worth it? Well, I’m here to give you all the deets you need to figure that out. This little island sits just a short ferry ride from Cancun, about 20 minutes, but it feels like a complete escape from…

The 11 Best Restaurants in Tulum Mexico: My Guide to the Top Food Spots

I’m a foodie through and through, which is probably why this is the Tulum guide I’m most excited to share since it’s all about the best restaurants in Tulum Mexico. I’ve always loved exploring new flavors, but my obsession with Mexican food is on another level. Honestly, I think it’s the best cuisine in the…

The 7 Best Cafes in Tulum: My Top Coffee Shops in Tulum

I’ll be honest, hotel coffee, especially the watery americano type, never really does it for me. Wherever I travel, one of the first things I end up doing is scouting out the best local cafes for a proper cappuccino or flat white. In Tulum it was no different. Almost every day I found myself testing…

The Best Time to Visit Tulum (And When I’d Go Again)

With Tulum, timing is everything. As beautiful as it is, the wrong season can really throw off your trip with seaweed covering the beaches, hurricane season storms, or spring break crowds that completely change the vibe. I’ve been to Tulum a few times now in different seasons, and honestly, picking the right time to visit…

Is Tulum Worth Visiting? My Honest Review in 2026

Before diving into this ‘is Tulum worth visiting’ guide, I should probably confess: I have a soft spot for Mexico in general, so yes, I might be a little biased. That said, I promise I’ll keep this review honest and share both the good and the not-so-great sides of Tulum. I really do love Mexico.…

12 Amazing Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico (That Aren’t Just the Lagoon)

If Tulum had a low-maintenance, genuinely cool little sister who wasn’t trying to go viral on TikTok, it would be Bacalar. Oliver and I first visited Bacalar in 2023 at the verrrryy end of an 8-month backpacking trip and honestly, it was everything I needed it to be and more. After the chaos of Playa…

The 12 BEST Restaurants Bacalar: Our Favorite Spots + Local Classics

I’ve now been to Bacalar more times than I can count. Oliver and I first landed there in 2022, just a couple of freshly-met backpackers on the kind of budget that screamed “tacos or bust.” (Spoiler: it was mostly tacos. So many tacos.) We managed to sneak in a few cute date nights too, but…

How to Get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker: My Perfect Travel Guide (2026)

Backpacking through Mexico and Central America is one of my greatest joys—and also one of the biggest pains in the ass. Last year, I went on a girls’ backpacking trip with some of my best friends. We knew we wanted to explore Quintana Roo, but then we saw this dreamy little island in Belize, Caye…

Ultimate 3-Week Mexico Itinerary: Explore the Best of Mexico in 21 Days

When we visited Mexico for the first time, we knew right away this country was something special—and it absolutely was. We’ve been back countless times since! Mexico is a huge country and full of incredible things to see that it’s taken us multiple trips over the years to experience as much as possible. That’s why,…

14 Coolest Hotels Tulum Beach You Can’t Miss (Plus Map!)

With major hotel chains dominating nearly every tourist destination, Tulum remains a place where you can still find something truly special. If you’re not looking for a standard resort experience and want something more unique, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ve put together a selection of accommodations that go beyond only beachfront…

Where to Stay in Isla Holbox (12 Best Hotels and Areas)

Isla Holbox, or Holbox Island, is definitely one of my favorite little slices of paradise! This little island is gaining popularity fast, with luxury hotels popping up everywhere, so now’s the perfect time to visit. It used to be a secret insider tip, but even though those days are over, I’m a bigger fan than…

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres: 12 Best Hotels & Areas (Updated 2026)

White sand beaches, luxury hotels, super cool beach clubs, and some of the most delicious Mexican food, yep, that’s Isla Mujeres for you in a nutshell! I’ve got to say, Isla Mujeres is one of my absolute favorite spots in Mexico for so many reasons. Sure, it’s swarming with tourists, a tad overpriced, and maybe…